An ascent of Bořeň peak (539 m) from the spa town of Bílina: 10 km (extendable)

• Bílina is an ancient town situated between Teplice and Most in northwest Bohemia. Possibly best known today for its Bílinská Kyselka naturally sparkling mineral water, the town appears in history in the early medieval period as a Přemyslid stronghold. The town was owned for a long period by the Lobkowicz family, to whom the dominant Baroque chateau and mineral water plant was returned after the 1989 revolution.
• The associated spa (now closed) was founded by the Lobkowicz dynasty and became world famous during the 19th century based on the medical uses of the mineral waters. Only the forest park behind the spa buildings and a popular café and restaurant are today open to the public. The interesting building housing the café was actually constructed by the Lobkowicz’s (in a Swiss chalet style) for the 1891 jubilee exhibition in Prague. It was then transported back to Bílina and reassembled in the spa park.
• Bílina features in 19th century postcards, not only for its picturesque spa and chateau area, but also for the dominant peak of Bořeň (539 m) which looms over the town. Bořeň is an unusual volcanic hill made of phonolite (the largest of its kind in Europe) and despite its relatively low height is remarkably rocky (it is popular rock climbing location).
• A nicely varied short hike, starting and finishing in Bílina, circles around Bořeň (with an optional, but recommended climb to the summit), returning back through the spa area. The route is just over 10 km long, if starting and finishing at the train station (a bit shorter if driving and parking in the town square). The hike can also be extended by 5 km to take in the popular ‘fairytale forest’ trail, which features some well-done life size wood carvings of traditional and modern fairytale characters (see here for a description of this separate walk).
• The hike is all on well-marked paths and although the final summit climb is quite steep and rocky it is not exposed and is on a good path. There is 380m of height to ascend/descend on the 10 km route. For refreshments try the atmospheric café in the old spa park (open seasonally).

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• From the train station take the GREEN trail in the direction of Bílina – nám. reaching the main square after900m
• Cross the main square, exiting from the opposite corner, remaining on the GREEN trail (direction Chata pod Bořní)
• After 3.2 km reach the junction Bořeň – odb. k vrcholu, where the summit path begins. This is marked with green/white triangle markers. It is 600m to the summit, with 150m of height to ascend. Return back to the junction after the ascent
• Continue on the GREEN trail in the direction of Chata pod Bořní, reaching the spa and mineral water bottling plant after 2.7 km
• At the trail junction in front of the old spa, if wanting to visit the café (or see the 1891 exhibition building) take the RED trail heading uphill in the direction of Kaňkov . The café is reached after 300m. Return back to the spa area
• Continue on the GREEN trail (also marked RED) to return back to the train station in 2 km